Chapter Three: Preparations

Well, here's chapter three. I have to say, I'm a little disappointed. I used to actually write a lot better; more detailed. But I guess my lack of writing has caused that.

Also, to my…two readers, I'm sorry I haven't updated in so long. I'm just so lazy. But lately, I've had nothing to do, and I remembered I had a story, and decided to come update it! Enjoy!

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Zinthol lifted enormous pieces of meat all at once, and easily fitted them into his mouth. Kazaka could only stare in astonishment at the Galka. Sure, it wasn't the first time he had seen him eat. But each time, he was still amazed by Zinthol's ability to eat.

But occasionally, Kazaka remembered to pull out tiny pieces of his own meal to eat, even while he watched his Galka friend. However, Cala, the Mithra, sat silently in her seat. Her food was completely untouched.

Kazaka raised an eyebrow at the Mithra and frowned. "C'mon Cala…it's not gonna do you any good to just starve yourself before the big fight. You need to eat something."

Cala lifted her head and stared at Kazaka for a moment, before lowering her gaze to the table. "Nah…I'm not hungry." But Cala had honestly lost the will to eat. She knew it was the end. She knew that she and her friends would die in this city.

Kazaka sighed, shoving a piece of meat into his mouth. Zinthol swallowed a chunk of his meal, and then looked down upon the Mithra. "Come now…if you don't eat, that'll just be the less amount of strength you will have to defeat the beastmen." Cala looked up from the table and at Zinthol, and then smiled. "Yeah, I guess you're right…"

The Mithra sighed, and lifted a small piece of her meal into her mouth, forcibly chewing it, and then swallowing it, shuddering as it slid down her throat. "Guh! What kind of food is this! How can someone even EAT this!" Kazaka couldn't help but reveal a grin. He could tell now, that she was feeling somewhat better.

But they were cut short, when a loud bell rang outside the tavern, and a cry following after. "The Beastmen! They've been sighted! A scout has just reported in, and they're on their way here!"

Kazaka paused from eating his food, and looked up at his friends. They each looked at each other, still remaining silent, until at last Cala spoke up. "Well folks, I guess this means we're just gonna have to make them regret ever coming here! How 'bout it?" Cala grinned, and stood, awaiting her two companions' responses.

Kazaka also stood after her, and clenched his hand into a fist. "Alright! Let's get those damned things! It's time we taught them a lesson on invadin' our homes!" Kazaka grinned, looking back down at Zinthol.

The Galka sighed, remaining silent for a long moment, and then stood. "Yes, let's show these monsters what they're in for." It was almost funny, hearing a Galka call something else a monster. Kazaka wouldn't necessarily consider his friend monster-like, but he was still very large, and strong like the trolls.

The bell again sounded outside, another announcement coming along. "All soldiers, report to the courtyard, and bring your weapons! This is it! Prepare for battle!"

Soldier after soldier seemed to pour out of the small tavern, the three companions managing to squirm their way out of the large crowd, following their allies out to the courtyard where they were to assemble. Kazaka stretched his arms into the air and yawned, which was very unusual, especially considering the situation. "Well guys, I guess it's time. Let's hurry!"

After a very short walk, the three arrived in the courtyard, where all the soldiers had assembled. Hume, Elvaan, Tarutaru, Mithra, and Galka. All gathered for the same purpose. It was almost inspiring.

Another soldier stood out in front of the gathered army, and stood attentively. It was the same General Lookia Token which had delivered the news of the Beastmen at the earlier meeting. She looked out over the soldiers for a moment, and then sighed. "Everyone, this is it. This is the moment, where everything you have learned; everything you have ever fought for will be put to use. The Beastmen, are only a few short minutes away from this city, and we, the forces of Altana are to put an end to this marching horde. Every soldier will play their part. Every stab will kill a troll, every arrow will hit it's mark; every spell will count. This is it everyone. Where every Hume, Elvaan, Tarutaru, Mithra and Galka, all unite as one, with a common goal. To destroy the Beastmen!"

A loud chorus of cheers and applause filled the courtyard all at once, on the general's words. Even Kazaka, Cala and Zinthol cheered and hooted for this general.

But before any more words could be said, a loud orc horn echoed outside. Signaling the worst. The Beastmen, were nearly here.

Lookia looked over the troops again, and raised her hands to quiet everyone. "Alright troops, you know your positions. Archers and Black Mages on the walls. All warriors, to the front gate; all White Mages will back up these warriors' defense. This is it everyone! Prepare yourselves!" And with that, the general turned away, the troops beginning to depart from the courtyard, and to their sections.

Kazaka, Cala, and Zinthol, all being warriors (with the exception of Zinthol being a monk) began the walk to the front gate, where they also were to help defend the gate. Cala drew her sword from its sheathe, and held it loosely in front of her. "Well, you guys ready to kill us some Beastmen?" Kazaka grinned, he and Zinthol nodding in response. Cala pulled her sheathe from her waist belt, and tossed it off to the ground. "I guess I ain't gonna be needin' that anymore. It'd just get in the way.

Kazaka also drew his sword from its sheathe, however, leaving the sheathe strapped over his back. He preferred keeping it with him. Zinthol's gauntlets were already strapped over his enormous fists, ready for combat.

And so finally, the three reached the front gate; possibly even, the end of their journey. Another horn sounded outside the city, but this time, much closer than the last. This was it. There was no turning back. The Beastmen were here, and it was time to face them.

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I hope this chapter's decent. Not too much excitement or anything, but there's sure to be much more in the next chapter. I can guarantee that. (And hopefully it'll be decent. Hah) Again, sorry it took me so long to update. I'm just so lazy…

But it's like 5:06 AM here, and I got this all done at the same time, so I'm pretty tired now. I'm off to bed! Remember to review! Anyways, piece!

Wrrohm